How much does a loft conversion cost?
There are a number of reasons more and more people are choosing to expand their home with a loft conversion.
As well as creating a lot of extra living space a loft conversion can also raise the value of your property. Whether your extending due to lack of space, selling potential or to create a tailored space for you individual needs, budgeting is an important first step in to the world of conversions.
Probably the most frequently asked question is how much does a loft conversion cost?. There are many factors you need to consider while planning your loft. The cost of a conversion can vary considerably from project to project and of course will depend on the size and specification.
Below is a list of common factors that come in to play when trying to set a budget for your loft conversion:
Your House
The 2 main factors that will affect the cost of a loft conversion are the property type and the specification of the proposed works. So in simple terms – Someone with a 5 bedroom house who would also like to have a gold plated bathroom installed, will be paying a lot more than someone who has a 3 bedroom house with standard fixtures and fittings installed. In terms of your property type, the following should be taken in consideration:
- Any complications such as unusual layouts or chimneys.
- The size and type of your home.
- The roof type and condition.
- Any plumbing that may need to be upgraded or moved.
The Type of conversion
The simplest and cheapest type of loft conversion is one that has only VELUX windows fitted into the existing roof slope for light and ventilation. Although a VELUX conversion is cheaper than having a rear dormer you lose a lot of usable living space compared to a dormer. If you have a roof with a hip end, to gain maximum space you would need a ‘hip to gable’ loft conversion. This is where you extend the ridge of the roof out to the external wall and build up your new gable wall. A hip to gable can be one of the more expensive conversions but you gain extra space that you never had before.
The Scale of Your Project
All loft conversions start with nothing but a few ideas and once the ball is rolling it is easy to get carried away in terms of the size of your project. You may begin with the vision of a simple yet liveable space but as your conversion starts to take shape it is easy to decide on a more complex layout. A conversion is more than a practical venture; it involves a lot of imagination. Many look at a conversion as the perfect opportunity to create a luxurious space in their home or to create a unique selling point. The more complex the layout becomes the more expensive it becomes. Loft conversions can transform an unused space into more that just a usable space. The possibilities are endless; you could make an extra office space, a home gym or an extra bathroom. You don’t have to settle for one room, you could have a bedroom with an en-suite. Obviously sizable changes to your attic space can lift the price of your conversion considerably.
The Electrical Works
All loft conversions involve some electrical work, namely for lighting, power sockets and smoke alarms. The amount of electrical work will depend on the design, size and intended use of the conversion. For example a single simple room may require lighting and power sockets, while two bedrooms and an en-suite will obviously require more work and materials, and therefore cost more.
Lighting can be as basic or as complex as you wish so you can choose solutions that will not stretch your budget. Seek advice on the best lighting solution to meet your individual needs. Halogen downlighters are a popular choice, see our blog post that looks at LED bulbs for downlighters.
A mains wired smoke detector is an essential safety item and will be required for your conversion to meetbuilding regulations.
The Plumbing Works
The plumbing is one area that can be subject to large variations in terms of cost. Quite often at the very least there will be a cold water and expansion tank that will need to be relocated. Many people decide to have combi boilers installed so that water tanks are no longer required. Here is a list of the main factors to consider regarding the plumbing:
- Are there any existing water tanks that need to be moved?
- Are you having a new boiler installed?
- Are you having an en-suite installed?
The Choice of Windows
The more natural light you require the more money you are going to have to pay for the privilege. The amount of windows you want to install in your loft space and the chosen size will affect the price of your conversion. Velux windows come in a wide range sizes and finishes; browse the Velux website to find the best windows for your individual project.
Flooring
Flooring is not something to be skimped on in terms of price. With flooring you get what you pay for and high quality flooring can provide the finishing touch to a conversion. Many people opt for soft floorings rather than wooden to minimise any noise. The amount of budget you will need to set aside for flooring will depend on your personal preferences and type of flooring chosen.
DIY Conversions
Taking on part of the conversion yourself can help to keep your expenses low. The amount of work you take on will depend on your level of DIY experience. We have a dedicated an area of this site to DIY Loft Conversions. There are currently a good range of books available for general DIY and loft conversions. We selected some of the best books available form Amazon, take a look at our books page to see what is available to buy online.
Conclusion
While we cannot give you an exact figure for your loft conversion this guide will help you to identify and understand where the cost lies. To book yourself a free consultation click here.
